Pop quiz: what is biophilia? A passion for biology? A diet consisting only of organic food? A hobby that consists in collecting biographies?
Of course, you saw us coming: biophilia is neither of those things (granted, the third option was a bit of a stretch, but it probably made you smile).
In reality, biophilia is an hypothesis, or a theory if you prefer. This theory suggests that humans are instinctively drawn towards nature, that they have a “natural” propensity to seek connections with nature. The term itself was supposedly coined in 1973 by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm to describe “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive”. It was later used in 1984 by biologist Edward Osborne Wilson to talk about “the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life”.
So, what does it mean exactly?
While, to this day, biophilia remains an hypothesis, some of the ideas and principles it puts forth have been the subject of studies that tend to confirm their validity. One of those principles holds that contacts with nature or exposure to “natural” elements present in our environment positively affect our mood, our morale and our general well-being.
Simply put, according to biophilia aficionados, we feel better when we are in a natural environment, such as when we venture into the forest, or when we feel connected to nature is some way.
You have to admit it’s pretty hard to disagree with that! After all, who hasn’t experienced that warm, fuzzy feeling running through their body when basking in in the sun or taking a deep breath of fresh air after spending long hours staring at a computer screen or watching a machine do its thing?
Connecting with nature away from nature
This is all great in theory, but the fact is that in Canada, the vast majority of people live in large cities and that most of us spend over 90% of our time indoors. In other words, to reprise a slight variation of a popular expression, “we’re definitely out of the woods!”
How then can we connect with nature in that context?
In reality, there are many ways to put a bit of nature into your daily existence. One such way consists in integrating natural elements or elements that evoke nature in our working environment, like:
- Letting natural light in as much as possible;
- Adorning the interior with plenty of natural plants;
- Integrating natural materials like wood, of course, but also stone, earth, sand and even water (think fountain, basin, aquarium, etc.) into the interior setting;
- Setting up “green” islets in common spaces;
- Creating “lively” spaces (e.g., flowerbed, garden, wooded path, etc.) around the buildings… or even on their roof?
Practising biophilia?
Another way to benefit from the connection with nature is to adopt habits or practices that put you in regular contact with natural elements, even during winter. Here are a few suggestions worth exploring:
- Step out of the house a bit earlier to spend a little time outside before climbing into your vehicle or boarding the bus;
- Park farther away or come off the bus one stop ahead to walk a little longer towards your workplace;
- Take your breaks outside;
- Have a light, quick meal so you can spend more time outside during your lunch break;
- Keep and care for natural plants in your office or in break rooms;
- Organize regular outdoor activities or outings with with your workmates;
- Just spend more time outside!
Of course, those are only a few ideas. With a bit of imagination, you can certainly come up with your own inventive ways to connect with nature on a daily basis.
Investing in biophilia
Employers have a lot to gain from implementing policies or integrating structural elements aimed at helping people connect with nature while at work. Possible fallouts range from increasing employees’ motivation and engagement, and thus their productivity, to reducing stress and absenteeism.
Talk to your boss about it!